Dear Disney,
Here is more news from the region, the engines now have numbers; they are as follow: Thomas, 1 Edward, 2 Henry 3, Gordon 4, James 5, and Percy 6. The engines and dogs are very proud of them.
You're also probably wondering about poor Henry and Pongo, needless to say both them and Sir Topham Hatt were very worried, but now Henry is feeling much better and is ready for anything. These stories tell you all about it.
The Author
Coal
One morning Pongo was looking out the window feeling very worried.
Perdita: Something wrong dear?
Pongo: I'm sorry dear, I'm just thinking about Henry again.
Perdita: He's not giving you more trouble now, is he?
Pongo: No, well yes, but not that kind of trouble. He's sick again, only this time is much worst, and the Fat Controller said if we can't find the problem, he's going to get another engine to replace him.
Perdita: Oh honey that's terrible, have you or your crew found anything wrong with Henry?
Pongo: We've tried everything; we gave him some new parts and new paint too, but nothings working. I don't want to lose him.
Perdita: Cheer up; I know you'll find something sooner or later. You're not the one to give up, I believe in you.
She gave him a lick and it made Pongo feel a bit better.
Pongo: Thanks dear, I needed that. I'll see you after work.
When he reached the platform he saw the Fat Controller was standing there. He was in overalls and didn't have his top hat.
Pongo: Good morning sir, what are you doing here?
The Fat Controller: Good morning Pongo, I've decided to join you and Henry for today and see the problem for myself. Ah here he comes right now.
Henry had just reached the platform and was being coupled up to his coaches.
Pongo: Morning Henry, how are you?
Henry: Not so good and I'm very worried.
Pongo: I know, just do your best and give it all you've got.
With that Henry left the station, he managed to start, but the fireman was not satisfied.
Henry's Fireman: Henry is a bad steamer; I've build up his fire, but it doesn't give enough heat.
Henry tried very hard, but it was no good. He didn't have enough steam, and came for a stop outside Edward's station.
Henry: How did I do?
Pongo: Not so good I'm afraid.
Henry: Oh dear, then I shall have to go away. Oh dear, oh dear.
All he could to was to go slowly onto a siding and Edward and Lady took charge of the train.
Lady: Hello Pongo; still having troubles?
Pongo: Afraid so, and it's much worst this time.
Edward: I hope you find the reason; we don't want to see you two go.
The Fat Controller: I know, but we still need to see if there's a problem, a small hint would help us though.
Henry's Fireman: Excuse me sir, but I think I might know why Henry is sick all the time.
The Fat Controller: Well what do you think is wrong?
Henry's Fireman: I believe it's the coal sir. We've had a poor lot lately and today its worst.
Lady: How could be the coal; Edward is working fine.
The Fat Controller: That's what I like to know, are you saying this coal is dangerous to our engines?
Henry's Fireman: No sir, the others can manage find because they have big fireboxes and they have enough room to make the heat. It's not safe for Henry because his is small and it can't make the heat.
Edward: Is there anything you can do to fix it?
Henry's Fireman: Well there is one coal that could work, but it's expensive.
The Fat Controller: Well if it'll help Henry feel better, then we must give it a try, just tell me the name of the coal and I'll have James go and fetch some.
That evening Pongo looked out the window again.
Perdita: Hello dear; how did everything go today?
Pongo: Well I've got good news; we might have found the answer to Henry's problem. The coal that he's been using was the wrong kind and he's going to be having Welsh coal now. I hope it works.
Lucky: I know it will dad, you have a big strong engine, but just in case, you can always work with me if you want.
Pongo smiled at his son.
Pongo: Thanks son, I just hope you're right.
Pongo decided to visit the shed next morning and saw that the Welsh coal had arrived.
Henry's Fireman: Ha, good morning Pongo; you're just in time to watch me unload the coal boy. Let's hope it works.
The driver carefully made the fire and put large lumps of coal like a wall around the outside then the glowing middle part was covered with smaller lumps.
Pongo: How does it feel Henry?
Henry: It feels like he's spoiling my fire!
Henry's Fireman: Wait and see; we'll have a roaring fire, just when we want it.
The fireman was right, when Henry reach the platform the water was boiling very nicely and he had to let off some steam. He made such a noise, that the Fat Controller came out of his office to see what was going on.
The Fat Controller: How are you Henry?
Henry: Peep, Peep! I feel fine.
Pongo: Indeed sir, I've haven't seen him this happy for months.
The Fat Controller: That's good; what about you driver, to have a good fire?
Henry's Driver: Never better sir and plenty of steam.
The Fat Controller: No record breaking; don't push him too hard.
Henry's Driver: Henry won't need pushing sir; I'll have to hold him back.
Henry had a lovely day he had never felt so well in his life. He wanted to go fast, but his driver wouldn't let him.
Henry's Driver: Steady old fellow; there's plenty of time.
They arrive early at the station when Thomas puffed in.
Pongo: Where have you two been all day?
Henry: Yes you guys are so slow. Oh we can't wait for dulling tank engines and puppies like you, good-bye.
Thomas: Whoosh!
Scamp: You said it, there's something you don't see every day.
Thomas: You're right there Scamp. Have you two seen anything like that?
Both the coaches and sisters agreed that they've never had.